What is CBT-AR?
CBT-AR, led by Dr. J. Thomas at the Massachusetts General Hospital, addresses three main problems of ARFID such as:
Sensory Sensitivity which presents as avoidance of food based on taste, texture, or smell.
Fear of Aversive Consequences such as anxiety caused by traumatic experiences, fear of choking, fear of vomiting, or allergic reactions.
Lack of Interest in Eating which presents as lack of appetite, forgetting to eat, or finding eating to be a chore rather than a rewarding experience.
Treatment is flexible and follows four different stages based on the presenting problem such as psycho education of ARFID, addresses weight restoration if needed, identifies specific food fears, sensory triggers, or habits, targets step-by-step food exposure and skills training, and consolidates new learning to prevent relapse.
Who is CBT-AR for?
Children and Adolescents experiencing restrictive eating or picky eating patterns.
Adults with ARFID looking to expand their diet and improve quality of life.
Individuals with Co-occurring Conditions, including depression, anxiety, neurodivergence (such as Autism or ADHD), or trauma.
Clients Seeking Practical Strategies to overcome fears surrounding food, health anxieties, or low weight.